Bush also defended the surveillance program, which began during his administration after Sept. 11, saying the programs guarantee civil liberties are protected.

“I put the program in place to protect the country and one of the certainties is civil liberties were guaranteed,” Bush said.

He went on to say there needs to be a balance between security and privacy when protecting the country. “I think there needs to be a balance, and I think as the president explained there’s a proper balance,” he said.

The former president also took the time to express his respect for the ailing South African revolutionary icon, Nelson Mandela.

“Sometimes there are leaders who come and go, his legacy will last for a long time,” Bush said.